Denver Public Library - art thefthttp://denverlibrary.org/taxonomy/term/2974/0
enThe monuments men : Allied heros, Nazi thieves, and the greatest treasure hunt in historyhttp://denverlibrary.org/review/monuments-men-allied-heros-nazi-thieves-and-greatest-treasure-hunt-history
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Robert M Edsel </div>
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<p><em>The Monuments Men</em> tells the story of the brave men and women determined to save art from rampant looting and possible destruction not only by the Nazis during (and leading up to) WWII, but by the Allied forces, as well.&nbsp; Most of the men recruited to become part of this Allied military effort called the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program were art experts and all were so dedicated to the mission of preventing damage to and the recovery and restoration of art, artifacts, and monuments that they were willing to risk their lives.&nbsp; I found the story of their amazing struggle and heroic effort, with very little staff or equipment (most of their "equipment" was provided by or scrounged up by the MFAA officers themselves), fascinating.&nbsp; The narration on the audio version of this book and the writing really brings these people to life.&nbsp; Their ability to hunt down clues and information, work with locals, crisscross countries in the middle of a war, and coordinate their efforts, resulting in what seemed like superhuman achievements, was enthralling.&nbsp; I especially loved the integral part played by Rose Valland, a French museum curator, in this accomplishment - her love of art, her drive to be involved with art in her career no matter what the cost to herself personally, and her incredible bravery during the war are inspiring!&nbsp; The vivid descriptions of the various works of art and their histories led me to do a little more research to learn more about and view images of the art itself (maybe someday I will even get to see the actual art), and hopefully they will do the same for you.</p>
http://denverlibrary.org/review/monuments-men-allied-heros-nazi-thieves-and-greatest-treasure-hunt-history#commentsart expertsart theftHitlerNazisWWIIArtBiographyHistoryNonfictionWed, 29 Jan 2014 23:45:30 +0000ShellyB14066 at http://denverlibrary.orgHeist societyhttp://denverlibrary.org/review/heist-society
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Ally Carter </div>
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<p>Katarina Bishop is trying to get out of the family business. This isn't as easy at it might sound, especially when your family is in the business of planning heists, pulling off cons, and robbing art museums. Kat has conned her way in to an exclusive boarding school and thinks she has a chance at redefining her future. But it's hard to say no when your family is in trouble. When Kat's dad gets blamed for the theft of a VERY bad man's most treasured paintings, Kat has to go back to her old life and help. Because if this guy doesn't get his paintings back within 2 weeks, Kat's dad will be punished. Kat puts together a crew of the best teenagers in the con business, intent on finding the true thief and re-stealing the paintings. Complications arise when they find out who the thief is and where the paintings were stashed--a place nearly impossible to break in to. Add a few cute boys and ethical dilemmas to the mix, and you've got a caper with humor and heart that will have you rooting for the success of these clever teen criminals.</p>
http://denverlibrary.org/review/heist-society#commentsadventureart theftrelationshipsHumor and ComedyMysteryMon, 08 Mar 2010 22:15:55 +0000Becker6056 at http://denverlibrary.org